“This was my 1st order from Rishi and only my 2nd tea that I know of that was Rishi. I’ve had their matcha prepared at a cafe once. But I could have well tried a sample of something at my...”
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“Bought some at the bulk section of Central Market. I was intrigued by the beautiful parakeet yellow-green stems and the description of a creamy, low astringency, umami brew. It smells like…...”
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Rishi Tea specializes in sourcing the most rarefied teas and botanical ingredients from exotic origins around the globe. This forms a palette from which we craft original blends inspired by equal parts ancient herbal wisdom and modern culinary innovation. Discover new tastes and join us on our journey to leave ‘No Leaf Unturned’.

21 Tasting Notes

I was looking for another green with distinct personality and a friend suggested Rishi’s, Kukicha. Beautiful bright green mix of chopped leaves and pale green stems yields a crystalline, emerald green cup. Clean and vegetal, much like a good dragon well, but toasty like a good genmaicha, without the rice. A lovely tea if you want a refreshing, sprightly green, with a fine and distinct character.

This is the first Japanese green tea that I have had. I had no expectations going into the sitting besides to have a different experience.

I rather enjoyed this tea. The taste of this green tea is much different than greener oolongs. The tea was savory with flavors of bean and grass, very mouth-watering. The texture was also very smooth and creamy. Very mellow and approachable. I infused it in a porcelain gaiwan, using enough tea to cover the bottom and then some. It lasted maybe 3-4 infusions before drifting into a light and sweet grassy water.

I’m not sure where Rishi Tea site within the pantheon of Japanese green tea providers, but their kukicha provides quite an enjoyable afternoon drink, if a little short.

Rishi Tea bills this kukicha as having a creamy mouthfeel, and indeed it does. Unfortunately that is not quite what I am looking for in a green tea. The woody-ness added in this tea from the twigs makes this tea a hearty brew. 1 tablespoon per 8oz of water at 185 F for 3.5 minutes, per Rishi Tea’s directions.